ENSLAVED have spent their past few albums searching, remaining on the Black Metal path, delving more into Progressive sounds, and figuring how their new interests applied to the band. Luckily, ENSLAVED feel around better than most groups, and while we may not have gotten any classics from them in a while, they at least put forth steady efforts that still sound pretty good a few years later ("Isa" and, to a lesser extent, "Vertebrae"). But on "Axioma Ethica Odini", their 11th album, they finally seem to have figured out the long-sought formula, amassing all their elements, both new and old, into a stunning album that both has sharpened, bloody edges, and surging melody that could cause forces to rise up.

"Axioma Ethica Odini" is one of ENSLAVED's most satisfying efforts in some time, a nine-track giant that's awash in the Viking spirit and could unite those in the OPETH and early '90s Nordic Black Metal camps, peacefully, if you can imagine that. Now, it's not like the beginning days where all oars are in the waters and battle is about to unfold, but you can feel those earlier years more now than with anything they released this century. The scintillating guitar work by lead man Ivar Bjørnson and rhythm axeman Arve Isdal weave crushing, breath-taking, and sometimes oddly Southern Rock (no, seriously) patterns into the plan, once again proving they are two of the most imaginative players in their field. Meanwhile frontman Grutle Kjellson is at the top of his game, growling with barbaric passion, sounding wholly inspired.

The disc kicks off with "Ethica Odini", packing a headrush of emotion, Prog tendencies, and anthemic thunder into an eight-minute opus that simply sets the listener for the rest of the ride. "Raidho" is rich with synth and vocal gurgling, with the music sometimes biting onto MOTORHEAD Punk; "The Beacon" and "Night Sight" have that aforementioned Bluesy, Southern boogie, which might not seem like it should fit with the package, but it does easily; "Waruun" has threads of their recent tourmates OPETH as well as a decent helping of Doom; and "Giants" wallops with a tidal wave of organs, growling/crooning tradeoff, and a whole ton of bruising.

There's nary a moment on "Axioma Ethica Odini" that isn't remarkably exciting. It's hard to call this a return to their glory days because, honestly, ENSLAVED haven't really had disappointing lulls. Let's say it'll ignite the flames of their older fans who have been along for the entire ride, while moving newer folks into their camp. Whatever ENSLAVED were seeking, whatever personality they were trying to fit into, they've finally achieved their goal. It's a safe bet this album will be on a lot of best-of lists at the end of the year and will keep ENSLAVED in the discussion when debating Metal's finest bands.